Program Reviews

ICDS truly made my study abroad experience the best it could have been. A big part of why I chose this program was its focus on sustainability and community engagement, and also the component of staying with a host family. In all of these areas ICDS exceeded my expectations. They did a great job in choosing families that fit well for each student. Throughout the program, ICDS made sure we were all comfortable at our home-stays and were willing to help in any situation. By the end of the program, my host family became like a second family to me. In addition, the focus of the classes were all connected and all had a sustainable, social justice component included. The community engagement work was also something very unique to this program and something that I learned a lot from. Overall, ICDS runs a very well-thought out, organized, educational, and fun program. The people who work for ICDS are also some of the best people I’ve met and are always willing to help or just chat!

The opportunities that came from the ICDS program study abroad led to my most amazing experiences in Costa Rica. The different cultural activities that we got to do and the classes and service learning component of the program helped me to immerse myself into this beautiful new country. ICDS also did a really good job of picking host families for myself and the other students. I had zero complaints throughout my time in Costa Rica. The ICDS program and staff members were always available for any questions and ready to help with anything. I left Costa Rica not only with new memories and knowledge but also new friends and important people in my life. I know I can turn to ICDS members even now that my program is over. My whole experience was smooth and unforgettable in the best way thanks to ICDS.

I had the time of my life in Costa Rica and I wish everyone could have a study abroad experience like I did. The Spanish classes were one of the most helpful things about the program because I was able to learn and practice my regular Spanish, but it also challenged me with specific medical vocabulary and how to talk to patients. I definitely left Costa Rica a much better Spanish speaker than when I arrived. I liked the rotations and community service that we did. I appreciate it more now that I'm back in the United States and I'm working more in hospitals here. Learning about how different the health care system is there has definitely changed how I think about things in my current rotations. I travelled around Costa Rica with the program a couple weekends and with other students on our own trips other weekends. I loved the all the beaches on the Pacific Coast and Monteverde, but coming from a city, I appreciated being based more downtown for classes with more things to do and places to go. I didn't have any issues with safety like others, but I'm used to the city and more people around. I had great homestay parents too. I felt like part of the family throughout my whole stay. If there was ever anything I didn't know or needed help with, my homestay family or someone from ICDS was there to help.

My experience in Costa Rica through the ICDS program was a life-changing journey. The classes were useful and relatable, and the trips we took were breath-taking. I refined my Spanish and was encouraged to speak Spanish everywhere possible. The food was AMAZING, and everyone within the program and the country was talkative and friendly. Prior to the program, I was deciding whether I should have applied to Costa Rica or a Spain program, but I decided on Costa Rica because of my interest in underrepresentation in third-world countries, as well as the nature, and both of those interests were sufficed. I would recommend studying abroad to everyone interested in traveling, but I recommend the ICDS Costa Rica program to anyone interested in an immersive, picturesque experience.

To start off, I would recommend the program itself, but not this staff. The staff for the ICDS program were not very helpful and were abrasive or harsh with students at times. They are also highly unorganized. I am not the only one in my program (out of nineteen students) who has felt like this. After talking to many of my fellow students, a lot of us felt uncomfortable with the staff because they would be harsh or critical of questions we would ask them. The "counselor" would become heated at times which I find as unprofessional. The staff would be critical if a student makes ANY sort of mistake. We are human. We are prone to error. There was not one moment where I felt completely comfortable with the staff. When having trouble with my host family situation a few days after the program ended, the staff offered no help whatsoever and wanted to have "clean hands" away from the situation. This is very stressful for a student abroad since we are alone. The staff wants to maintain a good face but is deteriorating from the inside. Although the program itself was fun, you cannot depend on the ICDS staff. Please be wary.

I studied abroad through ICDS for 3 months in Costa Rica and it was one, if not, the best experience abroad I have had. The people and vibes are always very laid back and supportive. I got to experience first-hand how Costa Ricans employ solidarity in their country which was eye-opening especially for someone who lives in the US. The land is amazing and very attractive and easily accessible! The staff and admin from ICDS were very resourceful in helping us prepare and schedule traveling, as well as, getting accustomed to the culture. Additionally, ICDS worked hard to help us explore different locations such as Nicaragua!! I also got to make new friends and connections because of the many diverse students that ICDS recruits. Being in Costa Rica reminded me that, after school, there is a whole world waiting for me to explore it. I definitely plan on going back to Costa
Rica!

Prior to this program, I had traveled extensively, however, it was always with family. This was the first time I traveled alone for a large portion of time. I noticed that going abroad on my own allowed me to personally grow. When I returned home, I became so much more independent, responsible, RELAXED (which is a huge success given how stressed I was before), and appreciative of everything, especially family and friends.
Just that experience of personal development made the trip worth it for me. However, the sights I saw, adventures I experienced, and the information I learned about Costa Rica made it that much more incredible. I mean, come on, I saw sloths, ziplined across a huge cloud reserve, and Gallo pinto everyday (some people get tired of rice and beans but not me!). And the homestay was another way to fully integrate into the culture and get to know some nice locals.
I have to be honest, I was itching to get as the time to finish got closer. But it was an absolute wonderful experience, and I recommend that everyone study abroad somewhere at least once!
Thanks ICDS for the great experience!

Overall, ICDS is a great academic abroad program. The housing is through host families within the community and my host family was fantastic. My host mom has been extremely patient and helpful with my Spanish and her food is delicious. You get a taste of the real culture of living with a Costa Rican family.

The academic portion is average, I enjoyed my classes although they seemed to overlap a bit. ICDS does an excellent job of planning staff-led field trips for the weekends. The site visits through ICDS were wonderful.

One of my critiques is the cost and vague presentation of the required student visa. I had to budget an additional $500 that was not included in the program fee.

Overall, I have had a great experience with ICDS and four months in Costa Rica is amazing in itself!

I live in a homestay close to the university. My family here is wonderful and always helps me with my Spanish and always makes me feel welcome in everyday conversations.

Not having class on Fridays has been a real benefit to living in a foreign country. This gives me a chance to explore this unknown country. With this day off, I am able to go places other than just outside my neighborhood and experience other ways of life and the various cultures around the country.

The only real difficulties I encounter are minimal. When I first arrived, I could not accurately portray what I was feeling due to the language barrier. However, through time in Spanish classes and the help of my host parents, I am more confident in my language skills. The other difficulty I have encountered is the never-ending cat-calls from the local men. In all honesty, I know I need to just get used to it, but it can be difficult at times.

The main thing to remember is, to continue speaking no matter how difficult it may be. Take advantage of this beautiful country and all it has to offer. Get to know the people and don't be afraid to try new things. Especially the food!

My experience abroad in Costa Rica was the best experience of my life. The staff of ICDS were incredible, they were friendly, warm and welcoming. They were also a great resource for information about Costa Rica and its culture. Whenever I needed anything, I was able to go into the ICDS office and ask questions, or needed support. The programs organized for us were incredible. We were able to see beautiful sights in Costa Rica and had great opportunities to learn abou and interact with the culture and locals of the country. Living with a host family was a great component of the program and was a wonderful gateway into the ways of life in Costa Rica. I made lifetime friends during my study abroad and formed bonds with the members of ICDS. While abroad, I was really able to challenge myself, and learn a ton of Spanish. I would definitely recommend this program to a friend, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Going abroad to Costa Rica was the best decision of my life. The people there were so welcoming and warm, and it allowed me to learn make the most out of my experience and really dive into the culture. I really enjoyed my classes and the teachers were always helpful when I had questions. Our ability to travel on our own was awesome. We got to see so many different locations such as beautiful beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and rainforests.